<h2><i>“When I was in my early 20s, I suffered from depression as a result of feeling lost after graduating from university. I took a leap of faith and devoted myself to fitness — and it saved my life.” — Nana Al-Haleq</i></h2><h2>About the episode</h2><p>In this episode of <i>Hello Mentor</i>, host Derek Toh engages in an inspiring conversation with <strong>Nana Al-Haleq</strong>, Malaysia’s most recognized female fitness influencer. Nana opens up about her journey from studying psychology to becoming a certified fitness coach, a TV host, and the co-founder of two thriving businesses: <strong>BodyLab</strong> and <strong>FitSambal</strong>.</p><p>Nana shares how her passion for fitness not only transformed her career but also became her lifeline during a period of post-graduation depression. With her engaging personality and candid anecdotes, she offers listeners actionable advice on fitness, entrepreneurship, and finding happiness in pursuing what you love.</p><h2>Getting to know Nana Al-Haleq</h2><p><img class="image_resized" style="width:100%;" src="https://blog.hiredly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PODCAST_SPOTIFY_THUMBNAIL_NANA-AL-HALEQ_2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PODCAST_SPOTIFY_THUMBNAIL_NANA-AL-HALEQ_2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PODCAST_SPOTIFY_THUMBNAIL_NANA-AL-HALEQ_2-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PODCAST_SPOTIFY_THUMBNAIL_NANA-AL-HALEQ_2-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PODCAST_SPOTIFY_THUMBNAIL_NANA-AL-HALEQ_2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/PODCAST_SPOTIFY_THUMBNAIL_NANA-AL-HALEQ_2.jpg 1080w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></p><p>A certified coach with credentials from Australian Strength Performance, Nana Al-Haleq (@nanaalhaleq) is a highly motivated individual who is constantly striving to be the best at what she does. She is the most recognised female fitness influencer in Malaysia with the most following on Instagram she creates products to help men and women achieve their health goals.</p><p>Reinventing herself from an influencer to a TV-Host, in a short span of 2 years, she has hosted popular television shows on NTV7, ASTRO and RTM, namely the Feel Good Show, Fitness Battle, Jom Kurus, Kami Geng FIT, and A-Z Aktif. She’s an official brand ambassador athlete with Under Armour and Apple. Now a household name, Nana is also a businesswoman and the brains behind BodyLab.</p><p>To check out BodyLab and FitSambal as mentioned in the podcast, here are the links:&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bodylab.co/">https://www.instagram.com/bodylab.co/</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fitsambalbynana_hq/">https://www.instagram.com/fitsambalbynana_hq/</a></p><hr><h3>Overcoming Challenges in Fitness and Entrepreneurship</h3><p>Nana candidly discusses the challenges she faced, including societal stereotypes and online criticism as a Malay woman in fitness. She highlights the importance of mental resilience and how she learned to respond with positivity to negativity.</p><p>As a businesswoman, Nana co-founded two ventures:</p><ol><li><strong>BodyLab</strong>: A fitness supplement brand featuring innovative products like their L-carnitine spray for improved workout performance and fat loss.</li><li><strong>FitSambal</strong>: A line of healthy sambal crafted from premium ingredients, designed to offer Malaysians a healthier alternative to traditional sambal.</li></ol><p>Starting these businesses wasn’t without hurdles. Nana recounts facing social media backlash and product misinformation, which tested her resolve as an entrepreneur. However, her determination to deliver quality products prevailed, solidifying her reputation as a credible entrepreneur.</p><hr><h3>Fitness Tips for Beginners</h3><p>For those struggling to start their fitness journey, Nana advises:</p><ul><li><strong>Join a Community</strong>: Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can help maintain motivation and accountability.</li><li><strong>Choose What You Enjoy</strong>: Whether it’s running, yoga, or dancing, pick activities that excite you.</li><li><strong>Start Small</strong>: Effective workouts don’t need to last hours. Nana recommends high-intensity exercises or interval training for just 15–20 minutes.</li></ul><hr><h3>Key Takeaways</h3><ul><li><strong>On Entrepreneurship</strong>: Nana’s journey underscores the importance of resilience, innovation, and staying true to your passion when starting a business.</li><li><strong>On Fitness</strong>: Fitness is not about perfection but consistency. Even small steps can lead to transformative results.</li><li><strong>On Life</strong>: Believing in yourself is the first step to overcoming insecurities and achieving your dreams.</li></ul><hr><h3>Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring individuals who are accomplished in their own rights.</h3><h3>Hello Mentor is hosted by <a href="http://linkedin.com/in/derektoh">Derek Toh</a>, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.</h3><h3>Check out all our episodes on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2XquM47vpj8g4P5g0fBIfu">Spotify</a> for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who have been there!</h3><hr><h3>Explore more career inspiration and job opportunities on <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=hello_mentor_ep12_|_nana_al-haleq_on_being_a_fitness_enthusiast_and_entrepreneur&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a>, Malaysia’s leading career platform.</h3>

<p>Majoring from a completely different industry, Nana Al-Haleq shares her story from being an unsure student to her current success as well as some tips, and challenges she faces today.</p>
